State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released data of lending by financial institutions to farmers for the six months period ending December 31, 2013. On the face value it appears that the financial institutions have achieved 44% of the indicative lending trend. However, a deeper probe suggests that challenges like high non-performing loans, inadequate infrastructure and overall security and macroeconomic conditions are the reasons for the lackluster performance. The …
Read More »Slashing of interest rate a good omen for trade and industry
The rate cut will not only give boost to local investment but can also woo foreign investors Finally, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) made a drastic cut of 100 basis points in the interest rate to bring it to an eight-year low of 8.5 percent for the next two months, which people hailing from trade and industry have taken positively and said it would help stimulate private sector …
Read More »How does the Hawala system operate in Pakistan?
Hawala is probably the most convenient way of transferring funds from one party to the other i.e. from within Pakistan to abroad or vice versa without intervention of SBP or the financial sector. Hence, the transaction from initiation to execution is untraceable. Hawala is used for genuine need as well as terrorism. When it comes to genuine need, it may arise through a customer or even a company. Hawala …
Read More »Pakistan leads South Asia in branchless banking
Country wins global recognition in online banking policy initiatives and businesses Branchless banking regulation was first introduced in Pakistan in April 2008. From the start, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken a positive regulatory approach by providing clear cut guidance and adjusting regulation where necessary. Pakistan has now firmly established the regulatory environment and supporting institutional framework to extend the field of branchless banking. A variety of business …
Read More »International Reckoning For Islamic Finance Industry In Pakistan: SBP — globally polled as the best central bank for promoting Islamic finance
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) was voted as the best Central Bank for promoting Islamic Finance by a poll conducted by International Finance News, an arm of REDmoney Group, Malaysia. The votes were received from various institutions, practitioners and academicians from all over the world. After the announcement, Deputy Governor, SBP Mr. Saeed Ahmad stated “SBP remains committed in promoting Islamic banking and finance and will continue to play …
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